La Crosse County prosecutors say they will argue that heavy debt caused Lepsch to fatally shoot Paul Petras and his 19-year-old son, A.J. and steal merchandise at May's Photo in La Crosse last September.

The 40-year-old Dakota, Minn., man has denied any involvement in the slayings. Authorities say Lepsch needed money to pay a $60,000 judgment against him in a 2003 theft case.

Lepsch is charged with two counts of first-degree homicide, armed robbery with the use of force and illegal possession of a firearm.